The Best TV for Sports 2018

We will show you the features and specifications you need to pay attention to when buying a TV for watching sports. We will explain them all to you below and help you find the best TV for watching sports within your budget.

There is no doubt that our televisions are a vital part of the experience. HDTV sales spike each year in the days heading in to the Super Bowl.

Is it difficult to find a great TV for watching sports within my budget?

Will it also be an excellent TV for watching movies or will I have to shell out more bucks for another TV?

I think you will be excited to learn that the best TV for sports is a good TV for watching everything.

The requirements for displaying the best quality picture for a football game is almost identical for the best settings for watching a Star Wars movie marathon. However, your satisfaction with watching your favorite sporting event is more complicated than simple pixel processing.

Some TVs do possess different features and qualities the make them better for watching sports. When you’re shopping for a new TV in anticipation of the big event, there are a handful of specs and features that give certain models a competitive edge.

The features and specs that count for a great sports TV are:

Screen size of at least 55 inches

Screen resolution of 1080p or 4K

Great viewing angles without contrast loss

Deep black levels

High scan rate

No motion lag or motion blur

Loud, clear sound quality

This criteria for choosing the best sports TVs is based on:

1) When you’ve got the guys over watching the game you do not want the picture to look washed out at angles. The screen size, screen resolution, and a wider viewing angle are key to make sure this doesn’t occur.

2) You want to action to appear smooth and clear. Motion lag or blur are produced when the processing in the TV are slower than the object moving on the screen causing some delay. Judder is that annoying jerky effect when the object or person moves side to side across the display. It should be smooth.

3) You certainly don’t want the picture to appear washed out in brighter light. High contrast and deep black levels – these two go hand in hand to prevent that from happening.

4) Finally, loud and clear sound quality help you feel immersed in the action.

Here is 11 things you must consider before buying a new TV for sports viewing.

WHAT SIZE TV SHOULD I BUY for watching sports?

Bear in mind, the best picture quality and most features tend to be on the bigger HDTV panels. The best value in TVs today are in the 50- and 60-inch flat screen sizes.

As a general rule to get the perfect size TV for a 1080p display, we suggest a viewing distance between 1.5 and 2 times the screen diagonal. So if you are setting six feet (72 inches) away from your TV, a 48″ 1080p HDTV is the recommended size.

You can sit closer to see the extra details of 4K TVs, so we suggest a viewing distance from 1 to 1.5 times the screen diagonal. So for the same six feet from the TV, you could easily enjoy a 70″ or 75″ 4K Ultra HDTV.

We recommend at least a 55″ screen display, unless you have a really small room, to draw you and other viewers into the action. Otherwise, get as big a screen as your budget allows.

Fox, ESPN and ABC broadcast in 720p. HDTVs that are native 1080p will up convert the 720p broadcast to 1080p seamlessly.

Does the Sports Being Viewed Matter?

The sport being viewed could have some impact.

Those that primarily watch sports where the movement of a relatively small ball or puck is critical to the action, like golf, tennis, hockey, or baseball, should opt for higher resolution. We recommend going with a 4K screen display for sports viewing of this type.

It makes less difference in sports like basketball, football, or car racing. A 1080p resolution will take care of all your needs for watching football and similar sporting events.

The Bottom Line:

Get a 1080p resolution TV when viewing sports like football or basketball.

Get a 4K Ultra HDTV for watching sports like baseball, tennis, golf, and hockey.

3

Which HDTVs Have the Best Wide Viewing Angles?

All HDTVs, regardless of technology, looks great if you’re sitting on a couch staring straight at the screen. At an angle, LCDs and LED LCDs lose contrast and brightness.

Viewing angles can vary wildly from set to set.

As a general rule 50-inch and larger TVs with IPS LCD panels (Panasonic, Toshiba and LG) tend to have better off-axis viewing. There are several by Samsung and Sony LCDs that do a decent job with off-axis viewing.

Plasmas have the best off-axis images beating out every LED LCD.

The Bottom Line:

Plasma TVs have the best wide angle viewing areas.

4

Is Scan Rate A Consideration for viewing sports?

All new HDTVs incorporate the progressive version as opposed to interlaced. Progressive scan will provide a smoother viewing image with fewer ‘jagged edges’. It is also easier on the eyes after several hours of viewing time.

Which TV is good for Smooth, blur-free motion?

Refresh rate is the final critical technical component in a new TV set. You should be looking for HDTVs that can display fast-paced action without turning the picture into a blurry mess.

When the action is intense, the best models keep the details crisp. The worst models leave blurry streaks trailing behind anything in motion.

Standard rates are 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz.

Due to its faster native response times compared to LCD TVs, plasma models excel at making action-packed sports look crisp.

Plasma screens excel at making fast, action-packed sports look crisp.

Big screen LCDs and LED LCDs need higher refresh rates to reduce or eliminate motion blur. This feature adds to the cost of the TVs.

We have tested hundreds of HDTV’s. It is our experience 60 Hz LCDs and LED LCDs suffer from motion blur.

LCD models with a 120 Hz and higher refresh rate have processing modes to help reduce motion blur.

The best LED LCDs feature true 240 Hz refresh rates. Like plasma units, these models produce full motion resolution.

The Bottom Line:

Get a 1080p resolution TV when viewing sports like football or basketball.

Get a 4K Ultra HDTV for watching sports like baseball, tennis, golf, and hockey.

6

How do I get Loud and clear sound?

TV sound quality is often the most overlooked or neglected feature when purchasing a new HDTV. The sounds of the action and crowd can really enhance your involvement in the sporting event. The trend towards TV slimness makes it difficult for most sets to produce any real power and range of audio.

We recommend looking for a display that has extra frame size for the speakers or a separate rear woofer. The extra frame size makes room for more forward facing speakers. A separate rear woofer helps the main stereo speakers and boosts bass.

As an option, you can also consider looking at a soundplate or soundbar. These sit underneath a TV and can produce a richer, more satisfying audio experience.

The Bottom Line:

Look for a flat screen that has extra frame size for the speakers or a separate rear woofer.

Consider buying a soundplate or soundbar as an option for more satisfying sound.

7

Should I buy a 4K TV for viewing sporting events?

Although 4K HDTV prices are starting to drop, you don’t necessarily need to run out and get one – just yet.

In September 2013, Sky Television, with the help of Sony, delivered the first live 4K broadcast of a Premier League match. Since then, the adoption of 4K live sporting content has been slow.

Current 4K Ultra HD live sport event broadcast announcements are centered around Canadian hockey and Univision’s streaming of live soccer in Mexico. U.S. networks are bound to be pressured to catch up to rising 4K demand.

If this is going to be the last television you buy for several years, go ahead and grab a 4K model. If not, I would wait until 4K sports broadcasts are more common before paying extra for the technology.

The Bottom Line:

At minimum get a 1080p resolution TV.

If your budget allows, plan for the future and go ahead and grab a 4K Ultra HD model.

8

IS 3D TV WORTH BOTHERING WITH?

This one is easy when you are only considering sports. The quick answer is a big, fat NO! ESPN killed 3D broadcast at the beginning of 2014. 3D TVs are out of favor with manufacturers.

Don’t waste your money on 3D TVs for watching sports

Don’t waste your time or money considering 3D, unless you want to watch a limited selection of 3D Blue-ray movies.

The Bottom Line:

3D is a waste of time and money. Avoid buying a 3D TV for watching sports.

There is currently little 4K sports content to view. Only Canada and Mexico currently have some 4K sports content to watch.

9

CURVED OR NOT CURVED?

The next big consideration is ‘curved’ or ‘not curved’.

At present, LG and Samsung are the only two manufacturers to currently embrace curved TV screens.

The claimed benefits of curved screens include improved contrast performance, creating a greater a sense of depth and immersion than ‘non-curved’ flat panel screens. A big benefit when you have a large group huddled around the action on the television.

They have their drawbacks as well. First, you need to be in the ‘sweet spot’ (the middle) to get the optimal experience. For this to happen in a group, it means you must have a big curved display to fully appreciate this benefit.

Last but not least, curved screens are more expensive than their equivalent flat screen counterpart.

Test drive one at your local HDTV retailer, before bringing one home for game day.

The Bottom Line:

Curved screens are a matter of personal choice. Visit your nearest TV retailer to experience a curved screen TV before you consider purchasing.

10

Should I purchase a SMART TV?

Modern Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips all offer access to lots of apps. TVs are rapidly becoming more like tablets and smart phones.

Sports fans have access to a number of applications. For scores, stats, news, and clips, there are no shortage of third-party apps including ESPN, Yahoo, Hulu, and more.

The top live action apps come from the actual leagues, with MLB.tv the hands-down winner.

Due to complex licensing and broadcast rights, it’s impossible to get an app that offers live broadcasts of everything you want when you want. Most apps black out live games in your area. For example, you can’t watch Red Sox games live on MLB.tv in Boston.

The Bottom Line:

Smart TVs offer access to lots of sports apps.

The top live action apps come from the actual leagues themselves.

Check you local TV cable provider for local sports packages.

Better sports packages may be available from set-top boxes like Apple, Roku, and others.

To watch local games, check if your local cable provider offers a sports package. Currently, NBA League Pass and NFL RedZone are unavailable as standalone TV apps.

Both are available through your computer and mobile devices. As smart TVs become more common, we can only hope that the leagues will embrace Smart TV applications.

For an alternative, check the packages available from set-top boxes like Apple TV, Roku, and Boxee. They may have better sports package access than your smart TV’s built-in app selection.

You now have choices for 3D, Curved, Smart, 4K, and OLED TVs

11

Plasma, LCD/LED, or OLED: Which HDTV should I buy for sports watching?

Why buy a Plasma HDTV?

Plasma HDTVs have a few distinct advantages over LCD and LED TVs. They handle moving objects better than LCDs do. The response rate for a plasma display can reach as high as 600Hz, where LCD is usually 120Hz.

They tend to have wider viewing angles. Great for hosting Superbowl or March Madness parties.

The range of color of a Plasma is greater. The screen appears brighter from indirect viewing angles, although total brightness is less. Again, a major advantages for large groups watching a game from different positions.

Plasma televisions are usually cheaper than the equivalent LCD and LED.

However, Plasma sets are generally limited to screen sizes between 40 inches to 65 inches. A potential deal breaker if you are wanting to grab a really big screen.

Finally, they are much less energy efficient than LCD models.

When should I buy a Plasma HDTV for watching sports?

If your ideal screen size is between 40″ to 65″.

When you watch fast moving sports.

You have friends watching from varying angles.

There is not much direct natural light in your TV room.

You are not concerned with increased energy use.

When does it make sense to buy a LCD/LED TV?

LCD, or liquid crystal display, are by far the most popular type of HDTV. LCD and LED TVs have a wide range of features, screen sizes, and prices.

LCD and especially LED sets get much brighter than plasma. If you’re in a sunny room with lots of natural light, this aspect makes it easier to see the action .

They’re also thinner and more energy-efficient. Unfortunately, the larger television sizes will probably be more expensive than an equivalently-sized plasma.

Lower-end LCDs are back lit with CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) technology. The newer alternative is the LED (light emitting diode) version.

The primary advantages of LED are increased brightness and a considerable reduction in energy use. Unfortunately, the added price of LED sets means it will take years to recover the cost in terms of reduced energy bills.

Additional advantages of LED are the screen is thinner, and the display’s life span is longer.

When does it make sense to buy a LCD or LED TV for viewing sports?

When you want a screen size larger than 65 inches.

If you are watching TV in a room with a lot of natural light.

When you want a thinner display screen.

You are concerned with reducing energy usage and bills.

Is an OLED HDTV the best TV for watching sports?

OLED is short for ‘Organic light-emitting diode’. Where LED TVs use a liquid crystal display and a back lighting system to create an image, OLED panels themselves emit light when an electrical current passes through them.

OLED’s have some distinct advantages over plasma and LCD/LED TVs. The blacks are noticeably deeper on the OLED than they are on the LED. In fact, they emit ‘perfect black’.

Many OLED TVs employ what is known as ‘sample and hold’ when displaying an image. That means that each frame of the video is displayed for a certain amount of time before transitioning to the next. This greatly reduces or removes motion blur trail on fast moving objects.

LED images begins to look washed-out when you view the TV from an angle. OLED’s have a significantly wider viewing angle. The only negative to the OLED’s wider viewing angle is the picture takes on a yellow tint when viewed from far off to the side.

The major drawback of current OLED TVs is the cost and availability.

The cheapest OLED TV is far more expensive than the cheapest LED TV. A LG’s 55-inch curved model costs $14,999, and Samsung’s OLED set will be $8,999 when it’s released.

You may need to earn a major league salary to afford one.

Should I go ahead and buy a OLED HDTV?

If money is no consideration.

You want the very best viewing experience when watching sports.

Where can I buy a TV for Watching Sports

Now that you know everything there is to know about getting the best TV for watching sports, we will show you where to buy a TV for watching sports at a great price. We recommend a handful of trusted sources.

TVs come from the factory set up to stand out in a showroom. Choose a picture setting preset that’s better suited for your living room.

Sports

increases contrast, brightness and sharpness; motion-smoothing and noise-reduction settings are turned on or increased

best for viewing standard broadcasts of action oriented programing

2

If your new TV doesn’t have ‘Sports Mode’

Most HDTVs include several other factory picture preset modes. These preset modes have names such as ‘Vivid’, ‘Movie’, ‘Dynamic’, ‘Pro’, or the basic ‘Standard’.

Grab your TV remote and select the input that is connected to your source for sports:

If your TV room has a lot of natural light, toogle between ‘Standard’ and ‘Dynamic’ or ‘Vivid’ to find the preset that you feel looks best.

If you watch sports in a room with less or no direct sunlight, the ‘Movie’, ‘Cinema’ or ‘Pro’ settings may be your preference.

Picture quality is a very subjective area. No two sets of eyes will see things exactly the same way.

So go with what looks great to you and only use the preset guides as a reference.

Now find the motion-smoothing and noise-reduction settings. Experiment with turning each ‘on’ and ‘off’ to find an arrangement that works best for your sports viewing.

Now it’s time to watch the big game!

More than any other segment of television viewers, sports fans demand a lot from their TVs. They want the “speed” of the TV to keep pace with the game they are viewing. As many events are broadcast during weekend daylight hours, many sports fans want a bright screen to overcome natural daylight.

Now you have all the information you need to make sure you get the best TV for watching sports in your man cave.

Go ahead and invite some friends over, sit back, relax, and watch the game, like you have never seen it before.

Do you have any tips for sports fans who need a new television? Can you recommend a good TV for viewing sporting events? Be sure to leave them in the comments!

Hi, I’m David Clark, founder of CurvedView.com and you could say televisions are not only a personal passion but a career. My mission is to educate consumers and help each find the perfect HDTV and TV accessory, at the best price, for their personal viewing preference.

I purchased a Vizio P series per your suggestions. I’ve been really impressed with the HDTV so far. I got it at Best Buy. Thanks for the help in finding a great TV for watching movies. I also picked up a new 3D 4K upscaling Blu ray player to take advantage of the resolution on the new TV. Amazing!